A British tourist has been hailed a hero after chasing down a knifeman who stabbed five people in a terrifying rampage in central Amsterdam.
Takedown on Dam Square
The unnamed man, believed to be in his 30s, sprinted after the Ukrainian attacker near Dam Square and brought him to the ground with a well-aimed ankle kick. He then pinned him down and sat on him until police arrived.
Witnesses said the Brit showed no fear as he took on the armed suspect alone, earning him the nickname “Hero of the Dam.”
Expert Says: ‘He’s Trained’
Military advisor and ex-Parachute Regiment soldier Paul Biddiss analysed the footage and believes the man has a military, police or security background. He pointed out the Brit’s “calm and controlled” takedown technique, saying: “There’s no doubt in my mind he’s had some form of tactical training.”
Biddiss added: “The way he disables the attacker, controls pressure points and even appears to remove his belt for restraint—it’s textbook.”
No Time to Think—Just Act
The knifeman had stabbed five people, including two Americans, a Polish man, a Belgian woman and a Dutch teenager, when the Brit acted.
Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema awarded the tourist the city’s hero badge, saying: “He made a decision in a split second, which is truly exceptional. He didn’t want any attention—his only concern was for the victims.”
Eyewitnesses Stunned
Locals who saw the dramatic arrest say the Brit and his friend moved like professionals. One witness said: “It wasn’t just bravery, it was precision. He kicked out the guy’s ankle and restrained him like he’d done it a hundred times.”
Another added: “He was cool, calm and in complete control. Definitely not your average tourist.”
Suspect in Custody
The attacker, who suffered a leg injury, is now in custody at a secure prison infirmary. He is due to appear before a closed court in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
Police have praised the British tourist for his quick thinking and bravery, calling his actions “rare and heroic.”
